The correct spelling of "strip mall" is often confused with "strip club". However, the two share no similarities in meaning. The pronunciation of the word is written as /strɪp mɔːl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "strɪp" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by the second syllable "mɔːl" with a long "o" sound. A strip mall is a shopping center that has a row of stores located next to each other, usually with a shared parking lot.
A strip mall, also known as a shopping strip or mini-mall, is a commercial retail center typically located in a suburban or urban area. It is characterized by a linear configuration, with a series of individual storefronts or units facing a shared parking lot or walkway. These units are usually independent businesses, such as retail stores, restaurants, salons, or service providers, that are leased out by the strip mall owner to various tenants.
Strip malls are designed to cater to the convenience of local residents, offering a variety of goods and services within a single location. They often feature a mix of anchor stores, which are larger businesses that attract customers, and smaller, specialized shops. The layout of a strip mall allows customers to easily access different stores by walking along the exterior of the building, often with multiple entrances and exits.
Strip malls may be architecturally simple in design, employing a functional and utilitarian approach to store fronts and signage. Nevertheless, they play a vital role in the local economy and serve as a hub for community interaction and commerce. The convenience of strip malls, alongside their easy accessibility and variety of stores, has made them a common feature of urban and suburban landscapes worldwide.
The word "strip mall" originated in the early 1950s in the United States. The term "strip" refers to a long, narrow section of land, while "mall" originally denoted a pedestrian promenade lined with shops. The combination of the two words refers to a shopping complex or center consisting of a long, typically one-story building with multiple stores and businesses located side by side, often with a shared parking lot in front. This building layout became particularly popular in the mid-20th century as a convenient and accessible format for small retail establishments.